Hard starting 95

HB95Vette · 04-27-04, 10:33 AM

Had my '95 for a little over a year and it's run perfectly till recently. It still runs great when driving, but it's getting progressively harder to start. It has 101,000 miles on it and had the plugs replaced at about 85K when the head gasket blew, but I think it still has the original plug wires. I've got a set of Taylor's coming in a few days, but wondering if you all think that could be the problem with the starting? If not, what's most likely? The car runs great, doesn't miss when under a load, but does have a slight occasional shudder at idle. This is nothing new and I hear most vettes do idle a little rough. I can't say for sure if it's rougher than when the car was starting easily or not. Any ideas are appreciated...

warren s · 04-27-04, 10:57 AM

What exactly do you mean by hard starting?

Does it crank slowly and seem to come close to running down the battery and then start? Does it crank fast but for awhile before starting?

If the charging system is working fine (voltmeter, check alternator output) I would check current draw from the starter, maybe its getting old? A good charging system and slow cranking is "usually" the starter. If it cranks fast my guess would be ingnition.

HB95Vette · 04-27-04, 11:32 AM

I should have been more specific... it does turn over as fast as ever, but takes a while to catch.

warren s · 04-27-04, 11:54 AM

Ok, you can check of few things.

Fuel pressure - attach a guage at the fuel rail (schrader valve) I think on a 95 you would be looking for "around" 40lbs. min. (not sure though)

If the plugs were replaced, and the wires are suspect, what about the cap and rotor?

354RwHpLT4CE · 04-28-04, 06:34 PM

sounds like your having the same problem I am.I think its the fuel pump check valve.If you cycle the fuel pump by just turning the key on(not starting)and fuel pressure comes up to normal(around 40-45)then rapidly drops off.Then you can pinch off the vent line(the line on the lower right side of the fill tube)Cycle the pump again,and if it holds,I believe thats a bad check valve.Someone else correct me if I am wrong,please.Cause I am having the same problem,and thats the only test I have had time to do.